Celebrate the summer solstice, from 6 – 8 pm on June 26, while enjoying locally-sourced Mooville ice cream with neighbors and friends.

The event is free and open to the public.

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is located at between Kalamazoo and Hastings on M-43, and between Battle Creek and Hastings on M-37. For a map to the Institute, and to register for the free event, go to www.cedarcreekinstitute.org or call (269) 721-4190. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is a non-profit environmental education center set on 661 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies. Visitors may explore over seven miles of nature trails.

5 PM Pot Luck Dinner; 6 PM May Pole Dancing; 6:30-10 Contra Dancing
Hawks and Owls with Open Mic calling
dancebooker@grfolkarts.org
This is a real May Pole Celebration like you've never seen excepting in the movies or in a travel brochure.

Follow the May Pole Callers instructions and it winds up wrapped in multi hued ribbons

like you've never seen before. It's a fine time.

Edward Jones Financial Group

Private Event

May 8th

for clients and their guests

Wolverine Worldwide

Private Event

May 16th

International Sales Party

Folks from around the Globe

World Fiddle Day
May 18th
ALL skill levels!
2 pm arrival and tune up time
Musicians to converge at:
Riverside Park
Monroe Ave. Grand Rapids
2nd Boat Launch
where Guild Street T's into Monroe
US 131 to the north side to the Ann St. exit. Turn left (East) to the first traffic light which is Monroe.

Turn left (North) onto Monroe to the second entrance into Riverside Park. There is a sign that says 2nd Boat Launch.
ALL INCLUSIVE EVENT!
All genres of Fiddle/Violin music are to be represented, and all Violin family instruments:

Violin, Viola (bull fiddle), Cello, and upright Bass.

AND any and all stringed instruments are welcomed: gitahs, mandos, banjers, auto chestharps, etc.,

(please respect the occasion: no wind, or drummed instruments).
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR!
This event was started last year in Donegal, Ireland by fiddler Caoimhin Mac Aoidh, and it's taking the world by storm.

We hope to enmass thousands of Fiddler/Violinists at Riverside Park, and achieve a group photo.

We may accomplish a World Record! We may even put Grand Rapids on the map!

Now, the location has plenty of parking, and there are restrooms. Arrive at 2 pm with your contigent of friends,

be they musicians or not, and find an ongoing session that you will enjoy. Or, start your own.

The vision is to have a plethora of groups filling that area of the Park,

and enjoying the Communion of stringed vibrations with one another.

At around 3:30, luck willing, we will try to get some sort of group photo, and a count of how many musicians came out.
Tell your Friends!
Tell your Schools!
Tell your Churches!
Free of charge, this is a family event. Bring all the little Suzuki Fiddlers!
Any questions, please contact me.http://www.worldfiddleday.com/

I'll be playing fiddle and mandolin with Rachael Davis's family band, Lake Effect

Roots on the River is a popular summer outdoor concert series showcasing a different performer or band every Thursday night at 7 p.m. in July & August at the Jaycees Bandshell.
Join us in celebrating great music while watching the Big Manistee River and occassional freighter pass just beyond the performers. All concerts are free, but donations are welcome and appreciated.
The Veterans Memorial Park is located on Memorial Drive west of US-31 across from Oleson's and Dial-A-Ride. The park is handicapped accessible with ample parking. If the weather is inclement, our alternative location is the 5th Ave Beach House.

The last dance of the Festival will be Hosted by the Grand River Folk Art Society,

and there will be 3 Callers taking turns Calling the dances.

Harvest Gathering

Earthwork Farm

September 24-26

show details tba

Fallasburg Fall Festival

September 25th

3-4pm

North from
Lowell on Hudson St. (main stop light and it turns into
Lincoln Lake Rd.) Approx. 4 miles to the Fallasburg Park
sign at Fallasburg Park Rd. Follow it to the park. Get
there early, cause it's packed!

I think I
like this festival more than any I've ever attended or
performed at. Maybe it's cause I'm from Lowell, and have
been at this shindig since its beginning in the early
70's.

The art is juried,
all high quality, and this offers the perfect chance for
Christmas shopping. The Park itself is beautiful, with a
great playground right beside the festival, for those
kids with extra energy. There's close access to the Flat
River, and the worlds most famous "craw-dad catching"
creek. See you there.

Salt Of the Earth

October 1st

8-11pm

open at 4pm

114 E Main St
Fennville, MI 49408 US
269.561.SALT

We will be playing two sets starting at 9-11:30pm. This place is rapidly gaining a reputaion for their fine meals, and extensive Taproom selections. Hope to see you there.

I'll be playing fiddle and mandolin with Rachael Davis's family band, Lake Effect

Ann Arbor Contra Dance

Saturday, April 3rd

The Dance is held from 8-11pm. Admission is: $5 for Students, $8 for AACTMAD members, and $9 for all others. The dance is held at the Pittsfield Grange Hall, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor 48103.

Hawks and Owl will be playing old time fiddle tunes, and songs from the past, from 9-12.
This community festival features free children's activites and a pancake breakfast. The infamous Rubber Ducky race takes place at the bridge spanning Bear Creek. Children (young and old!) can drop a rubber ducky into the creek to see if it wins. There are prizes and lots of fun. Join us to learn more about watersheds.
The 2010 Bear Creek Waterfest activities will include ... Container Gardening seminars, Attracting Birds to Your Backyard, Plant A Native Seed, Make A Rain Stick, Microscope Magic, Creeky Critters, Bee Keeper, and much more!

Grand River Folk Art Society

GRAFS "End of Season Spring Dance"

May 3rd

5:00 Pot Luck

dance afterward

Johnson Park on the Grand River

Grandville, MI.

I-196 west to the
Grandville exit (on the left side of the highway). Turn
right at the bottom of the exit and cross over the
Grand. The entrance is on the right, after you pass
Butterworth St.

The BIG dance,
great food, exceptional company, and a May Pole has been
known to raise. We'll be doing the bangin' and sawin'.

Schuler Books and Music

Friday, May 14th

2660 28th Street

Grand Rapids

7-9pm

In the studio.

Remember, there's great food and beverages in their Cafe!

Port Oneida Festival

May 21st

I'll be playing fiddle with the band Lake Effect

Details TBA

Buses By The Beach Fundraiser

held at the Grand Rouge Campground

6400 west River Drive

Belmont, MI

showtime7-8:30

Jen Sygit 9-11

Nik James 5-6

East Lansing Art Fair

May 23rd

I'll be playing fiddle with the band Lake Effect

Details TBA

Clean Water Action Fundraiser

May 24th

Bazzani Building

959 Wealthy Street S.E.

Grand Rapids

6-9pm

Wheatland Traditional Arts Weekend

May 28-30

I'll be teaching Flatpicked Guitar and Fiddle Tunes for Contra Dances on Saturday and Sunday

I'll have some members, and alumni, of Hawks and Owls string band there as a core band, and anyone of any level of expertise with a string band related instrument that wants to join us is welcome. There will be tune chord handouts available for the fiddle tunes we'll play, and any questions answered. For those melody players wanting to learn some new tunes, bring that small recorder and take 'em home.

***To get there***

US 131 North to the Leonard St. exit, turn Left/West onto Leonard St. to Alpine Ave. Left/South to 5th St. Left/East on 5th to Davis St. and the Hall is on the corner.

This is such a great little amphitheater! The stage is nestled in amongst large mature trees, each looking down and spreading their branches/leaves in a cool canopy.131 to the Reed City exit. Turn right/East for the length of a bow shot and you'll see a McDonald's on your right. That's 220th street.Turn right there, and immediately turn left onto N. Park Street in front of the McDonald's. Follow that as it turns into Howard Street, and keep an eye out for the Park on your left. There are Mosquitoes, be prepared.

I'll be playing guitar in back of fiddle greats Bob Bernard and Bob Sadler. Gary VanHouten will join us on fiddle and guitar as well, and give me a chance to play some mandolin. Don't miss this one!

The Grand River Folk Art Society

4th Friday Contra Dance

Friday, May 28th

7-10:30 pm

hosted at the historic

St. Adelbertus Casino and Aid Society

otherwise known as the

5th Street Hall

West Side, Grand Rapids

on the corner of 5th and Davis

Lapsitters hugged, fussed over, and welcomed free

all others $6 at the door please

no smokin', no drinkin' 'shine

"up the stairs"

I'll have some members, and alumni, of Hawks and Owls string band there as a core band, and anyone of any level of expertise with a string band related instrument that wants to join us is welcome. There will be tune chord handouts available for the fiddle tunes we'll play, and any questions answered. For those melody players wanting to learn some new tunes, bring that small recorder and take 'em home.

***To get there***

US 131 North to the Leonard St. exit, turn Left/West onto Leonard St. to Alpine Ave. Left/South to 5th St. Left/East on 5th to Davis St. and the Hall is on the corner.

Chocolate and Wine! And some great music from members of the bands Lake Effect and Hawks and Owls. Please come out and support the fine work that the Gopherwood Music Society does in bringing concerts and dances to the Cadillac area.

Quackgrass Stringband/Costabella Cloggers Reunion

at the Gladys Wernette Building

Feb. 13, 2pm till the wee hours

Potluck/Music

Loring Janes Benefit

7211 Oakland Drive

Kalamazoo, MI

We will be helping facilitae a jam session at 12pm, and I'll be teaching a flatpicked Guitar workshop at 1pm. Loring has been diagnosed with brain cancer, and like most musicians, has little or no insurance. He has been a mainstay in the folk music scene since the 60's, and was a founder on the Kzoo Folklife Society.

The Grand River Folk Art Society

4th Friday Contra Dance

Friday, January 22nd

7-10:30 pm

hosted at the historic

St. Adelbertus Casino and Aid Society

otherwise known as the

5th Street Hall

West Side, Grand Rapids

on the corner of 5th and Davis

Lapsitters hugged, fussed over, and welcomed free

all others $6 at the door please

no smokin', no drinkin' 'shine

"up the stairs"

I'll have some members, and alumni, of Hawks and Owls string band there as a core band, and anyone of any level of expertise with a string band related instrument that wants to join us is welcome. There will be tune chord handouts available for the fiddle tunes we'll play, and any questions answered. For those melody players wanting to learn some new tunes, bring that small recorder and take 'em home.

***To get there***

US 131 North to the Leonard St. exit, turn Left/West onto Leonard St. to Alpine Ave. Left/South to 5th St. Left/East on 5th to Davis St. and the Hall is on the corner.

We are raising funds to build a large addition to the Wheatland Dance Pavilion, which has served it's purpose in attracting more folks than it can now hold. We have a stellar line-up for your listening pleasure, and 3 types of Dances as well.

$5 at the door to get in. $15 suggested donation will get you a raffle ticket for 2010 wheatland tickets!

The Baked Bean

103 S. Main St.

Lake City, Mi.

Thursday, December 10th

6-9pm

Northeast of Cadillac on Hywy 55

**BOB BERNARD'S BIRTHDAY!!**

Join us, as Bob, Seth Bernard, May Erlewine, Bob Saddler, and myself offer up some timeless fiddle tunes, stories, and good cheer to the folks at this fine establishment.

Fallasburg Christmas at the old Schoolhouse

Saturday, December 12th

6-9pm

North of Lowell on Lincoln Lake Rd 5 miles.

Turn onto Fallasburg Park Road, and follow it to the Y at Covered Bridge Road.

Cross the 19th century Covered Bridge (slowly at walk speed), and head up the hill to the old Schoolhouse.

Bill VanVugt, Becca Lynn, Susan Fawcett, and I will be playing old Christmas Carols, and throwin' down on old time fiddle tunes. There's food and drink, Potluck mind you, and they're accepting $10 donations for the Fallasburg Historical Society. Help keep this historic, one of a kind village alive. It's the only authentic early 19th century village in michigan!

I'll be fiddling for the Family Dance on Friday night with Rick Thum from Eureka, MO, on hammered dulcimer. Becca'll be throwin' down on rhythm guitar, and Kathy Gordon from Columbia, MO will hold the bottom down on bass. Saturday and Sunday I'll be teaching Guitar Flaticking for old time fiddle tunes, up at the workshop tents. TAB handouts, and bring a tape recorder.

The Rosebud
100 Washington St.
Grand Haven, MI
March 6th
We're part of a 3 act acoustic show.
Great food, Great venue!

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Fundraiser
Wednesday, Feb. 18
5:00 - 8:00 pm
at the John Ball Zoo Ballroom (formerly the circle theater)
The evening will include a live auction, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Wine and appetizers will be served. All proceeds directly benefit W. Mi. injured wildlife. WRC is a non-profit 501(c)(3). And don't forget- live music!!! First prize for the raffle will be a signed, framed Paul Collins print. Tickets are $25 per person.
If you have any questions you can call Peg or Roger at WRC @361-6109.

The Grand River Folk Art Society
at the Wealthy Theater
1130 Wealthy St.
February 28, 2009
$12 General, $10 Seniors & Students
$9 Members, $3 2-12 yrs.
We'll be playing a fine concert full of old songs, tunes, and stories.

The Grand Rapids Water Festival Fundraiser
Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy St. S.E
Friday February 13th
Doors open at 6pm, show at 7pm
Info Tables, Cool Vendors, Cash Bar
This event is designed to draw people from diverse communities and regions. They will come for the world-class entertainment. But they will leave with information and getting connected to actual campaigns working to protect our Great Lakes and other precious resources. Funds raised during the show will go towards keeping the next GR Water Festival on June 20, 2009, free to the public.

Wheatland Music OrganizationWheatscouts Gathering
February 7th
2-4pm
At the Gladys Wernette Cabin
Northeast end of the Festival groundsI'll be accompanying The Lake Effect band, from Cadillac, MI,
as Miss Tiyi entertains a whole passle of youngsters with song, dance, and stories.
Stick around for the Jamborre next door at the cabin.

The Kids Food Basket BenefitJW Marriot Hotel

February 6th
6-10pm
Becca and I will be playing sweet fiddle/guitar music for the cocktail hour.
There will be speakers between the 4 course meal, and a performance by Ralston Bowles and Drew Nelson as well.
Kid's Food Basket provides sack dinners to over 1600 low income children a day, here in Grand Rapids. Support them if you can!

Yellow BarnAnn Arbor, MI
January 10th
East Huron Street

Fallasburg Winter FundraiserSat., Dec. 13th
$10 Wine and Hot Food Buffet 6pm--till the Owls roost
Big Bonfire at 8pm
a crisp night with bright stars
Hot Cider
a Family friendly gathering
http://www.fallasburg.org/We will be joined by longtime friend and original Hawks and Owls;guitarist Bill VanVugt. We'll start the music at 6pm in the old Fallass home, built in 1837, on Covered Bridge Road.
To get there: Take Hudson Street to the;North at the traffic signal in the center of Lowell. Hudson Street turns into Lincoln Lake Rd. when you leave the city limits. About; 4 miles of driving will bring you to Fallasburg Park Road (look for the Fallasburg Park sign preceding the road). Turn right and follow for about a mile till you come to sort of a fork in the road. Veer to the right onto Covered Bridge Road, so that you're heading to the top of the park, and follow the road. You'll come to the Covered Bridge http://my.net-link.net/~michaelf/fallsbrg.htm ($5 fine for driving or riding faster than a walk), be gentle as you cross her as she's very old (1871),and as you head up the hill you will see John Fallass's home on the left. There'll be cars and pickup trucks parked about the yard and the adjoining field, and fiddle music emanating from John's old home (contented Ghosts, happy Spirits).

WYCE's Fall Fund DriveWednesday, Oct. 15th from 1-2pm
Solo in the studioI'll be down at the station on Wednesday, Oct. 15th from 1-2pm, playing some tunes/songs and helping raise funds to keep our very unique radio station in operation. WYCE is the only totally community supported station of it's kind, anywhere. All the programming comes from volunteer programmers, there isn't a University or government agency telling them what to play, ever. Folk, Blues, Jazz, and World Beat, all in one place. If you don't like the song, wait a moment. The next one will be from another part of the world!

Fricano's PizzaOld Time Music Night
5808 Alpine Ave
Thursday, October 16th
6-10pm
The man to talk about pizza with is Doug Fricano, of the famous Fricano's Pizza family.
Doug has a restaurant over at 5808 Alpine Ave., almost to 7 Mile Rd.
In September and October
Doug hosts the every Thursday night Bluegrass/Old Time music extravaganza. We'll be playin' our
hearts out, eating pizza, and drinking Diet Cokes with big smiles on our faces.
Come on out for food and frolic. We'll be joined by Jay Round on Stand-up Bass,
and Al Thayer on Old Time Banjo

Wow, what an honor to play at this Mecca of Music!
And what's even more exciting is returning the following day for

Flatpicking Workshop at Elderly Instruments

Oct 11th 12-2pm I'll be teaching fiddle tunes for flatpicked guitar with TAB handouts. The TAB will be fully explained, and tape recorders are highly recomended. Or, you could also purchase my instructional DVD, and get three tunes for $20. The TAB is included, and it's filmed with a split screen right/left hand view, so there's no guessing what's going on.

For over 85 years, Camp
Blodgett has been serving young people in Kent County with superior
programs. From exhilarating summer camp adventures and enriching
"Camp Blodgett Club" after-school programs to our new "Young
Leaders" youth council, Camp Blodgett provides the expertise and
inspiration to bring out the best in great kids all year long!

From Grand Rapids:
Take M45, Lake Michigan Drive, west appr. 19 miles until it
dead-ends on Lakeshore Drive at Lake Michigan. Turn south (left) on
Lakeshore Drive and proceed appr. 1˝ miles. Camp Blodgett is on the
right.

Frenz Coffee House

8 East Bridge St.

Rockford, MI

7-8pm

Wheatland Traditional
Arts Weekend

Remus, MI

May 25, 26, 27

I'm teaching Fiddle Tunes For Contra
Dances

and

Flatpicked Fiddle Tunes For Guitar

In the Recording Studio at

Mackinaw Harvest
Music Group

to record the 1st

Hawks and Owls CD

May 30-31

Reed City Concert Series

Music Shelter by the River

7-9pm

June 9th

Busses on the Beach

Fund Raiser for the Phoenix Burn
Center

Grand Rogue Campgrounds

6400 West River Dr. Belmont, MI.

May 18, 2007

8--10:30pm

Grand River Folk Art Society

Spring Fling

May 5th, 2007

5-11pm

This is last big Contra Dance of the
season. Come early for the May Pole ceremony (ancient stuff) and the
splendiferous Pot Luck dinner.

Johnson Park at the Grand River,

Grandville, Mi

Kid Food Basket

at Noto's Old World Italian Dining

6600 28th St. S.E.

Cascade, MI

We're playing cool back up music for
the Cocktail/Hors Deurves hour

6-7pm

Kid's Food Basket provides take home
sack dinners for nutritionaly at risk school children. This is a
fundraiser, and well worth inveting in. Children are out future;
healthy ones will mean a healthy future.

Cascade Fellowship Christian Raformed Church

6655 Cascade Road

Cascade, MI

March 3, 2004

Date Your Mate Night

7-8pm

We'll be setting the mood with sweet
waltzes and crooning vocals. Public welcomed

Harbor Springs, MI.

April 2nd, 2004

private party

Friendship Center

Country Dance

We'll be hosted, and joined on
stage, by Blissfest founder and frailin' banjo
player Ron Fowler. His lovely wife Jan will alternate between
sharing "Calling the Dance" duties, and playing piano. Bassist to be
announced. Becca and I will entertain with songs and witty reparte
during the break, and pick, strum and fiddle with dynamically
controlled hopeless wild abandon during the dances. We always have a
blast with these folks, and the dance scene in Petoskey is hoppin'
(bad pun). http://www.blissfest.org/organization/index.html

Anne Hills with
Kinsfolk

Grand Rapids
Ladies Literary Society

61 Sheldon
Ave. S.E.

Sat. April
10th, 7:30pm

General
Admission: $10

I'll be
joining Kinsfolk, a family band featuring the Exoo-Eid-Ries clan, on
fiddle and mandolin. Listen for the cool mandolin duet with daughter
Rachael and I.

Lawrence Probes, the bands guitar
flatpicker (and other non-family member), had performed with Anne at
Interlochen back in 1971, and has kept in touch with her. They
decided it was time to share some of the old songs, and the Ladies
Lit is the perfect spot for the occasion. Anne
Hills is known world wide for her exceptional songwriting and
beautiful voice. Check out her site at http://www.annehills.com/

McGuire's Resort

Cadillac, MI.

Sat.
May 15th 2004

8-11pm

This place is
great! There's wonderful food, golf, pool, sauna, you name it. And
the rooms are superb. Becca and I will be doing our old songs and
fiddle tunes routine, interspersed with stories of giant Snapping
Turtles and Electric Dog Fences. We performed here last fall, and am
pleased to see we're in the band rotation. Come out for some R&R and
H&O.

VACATION

Feb. 27th

Wow, we haven't just gone
somewhere to do nothing in about 4 years. I guess
nothing isn't exactly accurate. We'll be spending the
1st weekend with our friends, Mark and Hilarie Burhans
from the Hotpoint string band

http://www.hotpointstringband.com/band.html way
down in Athens Ohio. I look forward to playing fiddle
with Mark again. It's been a while, and it was magic
then. Hilarie is one of the finest claw hammer banjo
players around, and I'm sure things will heat up.

We'll be spending
the rest of the time with dear friends down by Ft.
Myers, FL. Diving, fishing, nature preserves, and a few
music shows are the order of the next 11 days

All Souls Church

11:00am

March 14th 2004

Aquinas College

at
the Jarecki Center

off of the Robinson Rd. entrance

All souls church is a liberal
religious community based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and
aligned with the Unitarian Universalist Church. They
regularly have diverse music during the service. We will
be returning, for our second time, to this great group
of folks.

Fallasburg Historical Society

Fine Dining Fundraiser

6:30-9:00pm

March 19,20 2004

at
the Fallas' House in the village

We played for 2 of these well
received dinners just before Christmas. They were such a
success we thought we'd do it again. Desert comes with a
verbal tour of the historic village, and I'll be
speaking after desert about the old time music we've
been playing, its immigration from the British Isles,
and its development in the south eastern part of our
country.

North from Lowell on Hudson St.
(main stop light and it turns into Lincoln Lake Rd.)
Approx. 4 miles to the Fallasburg Park sign at
Fallasburg Park Rd. Turn right and follow it to the Y in
the road, and follow the Y to the right (to the covered
bridge). Continue till you cross the Covered Bridge (no
faster that a walk, cars and horses) and up the hill to
the village. The house is on the left side of the road,
with an historical sign on a post.

Private Dance

With the band
Kinsfolk

Schuler's
Books and Music

Okemos, MI.

Jan. 9th

8-10:30pm

I'll be filling in for their absent fiddler for a night
of family band songs and entertainment.

Emmons Lake Elementary School

Caledonia, MI.

Kraft Ave.

Feb. 9th

Young Sarek Buchan, a 10 year old
fiddle monster, and I will be playing a set of cookin'
old time and Irish tunes in the cafeteria for lunch
hour.

Private Performance

Feb. 17th 2004

Lowell Christmas Festival

Lowell, MI.

Sat. Dec. 6th 2003

10:30am-12:30pm

Lowell Chamber of Commerce

located in front of the Showboat, which you can't miss

There will be a Christmas
parade at 10am down Main St., with activities afterward.
We'll be playing inside where it's warm, right next to
the mulled cider bowl. Stop in, warm up, and listen to
some old time holiday music.

Private Birthday Party

Dec. 18th 2003

McGuire's Resort

Cadillac, MI.

Sat. Nov. 29

9-12pm

It
will be a second honeymoon for bass player Sarah and her
husband Kirk (recently married) when we "play and stay"
at this real cool resort. The food is excellent, with a
well stocked bar, and the atmosphere relaxing. See you
there.

To
get there:

Exit U.S. 131 at M-115 and turn east (toward Clare). Go
just a short distance to Mackinaw Trail (Old 131) and
turn left at the big gas station. The resort is on your
left about two miles from the intersection.

Fallasburg Historical Society

Christmas Celebration

Sat. Dec. 20th 2003

6-9pm

at
the Fallas' House in the village

to
get there

North from Lowell on Hudson St.
(main stop light and it turns into Lincoln Lake Rd.)
Approx. 4 miles to the Fallasburg Park sign at
Fallasburg Park Rd. Turn right and follow it to the Y in
the road, and follow the Y to the right (to the covered
bridge). Continue till you cross the Covered Bridge (no
faster that a walk, cars and horses) and up the hill to
the village. The house is on the left side of the road,
with an historical sign on a post.

I grievously report that, on
Dec. 4th, 2003, Becca had surgery on her left wrist to
repair a torn ligament, and a displaced wrist-bump bone,
that resulted from a mysterious pontoon-boat injury. It
was a dark and stormy night...

I'm happy to report that
the procedure was a success, and she will be playing
that fine old string band music in Feb.

Her subsequent
recuperation will continue until Jan. 28th, 2004, at
which time the special restraint is removed, X-Rays are
employed, and the results will be made known. She's
itchin' to play guitar again.

Thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

Peace to you,

Bruce

The Box Factory for the Arts

Sat. Nov. 8th 8-10pm

1101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI.

This will be a regular sit down
and relax concert, held in a wonderful old (you guessed
it) box factory. Becca, Sarah, and I will be playing
much our old repertoire, in addition to some new things
with girl harmonies. This is our "get ready for winter"
concert. This event is brought to you by the Riversong
Music Society. Visit them at
http://www.geocities.com/Riversong_Society/home.htm

Dave Molinari has been hosting
a great session every Friday night at Pete Brown's, and
invited us to come down and do an hour set. Becca,
Sarah, and I will be playing that old time music, with
some new songs we've worked up. Afterwards there will be
an open mike, so bring your banjo, guitar flugelhorn,
whatever.

Wedding Ceremony, Reception/Dance

Oct. 11th

private

This just kind of happened one
night, when Rick and I were emailing each other about
the fun that we had at the Wheatland Music Festival on
Saturday evening. With a few other old friends we had
welcomed the 6am hour, and decided it was time to quit
playing.

Bringing songs, old-time tunes,
and good humor from his home in St. Louis, Rick Thum,
with his hammered dulcimer (and sometimes dulcimer and
harmonica simultaneously), always presents an uplifting,
feel-good, great concert. He will be joined at various
times throughout the concert by Grand Rapids’ own
multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist Bruce Ling,
guitarist Becca Shilt, and bassist Sarah
Harrier from Hawks and Owls string band.
Rick’s audiences invariably find themselves tapping
their toes, and some will surely be clogging or dancing
contras and squares. Also, if you play hammered
dulcimer, or even if you’d like to just learn the basics
with an instrument provided, you could attend one of the
hammered dulcimer workshops that Rick is teaching in
Lansing earlier in the day. Rick is a delightful,
well-loved performer and teacher. In 1994, he won the
Southwest Regional Dulcimer Contest and, in 1995, placed
third in the prestigious National Championship in
Winfield, Kansas. At the Evart Dulcimer Funfest
(Michigan), the oldest and largest dulcimer festival in
the nation, Rick was voted Best Performer and Favorite
Teacher in 1995, '96, and '97. Rick has shared stages
with The Tony Rice Unit, Steve Kaufman, Norman Blake,
and Bryan Bowers and opened for John Hartford, Norman &
Nancy Blake, and Leo Kottke. He has taught at the
Wheatland Music Festival (Michigan), at the Augusta
Heritage Workshops (West Virginia), at the Swannanoa
Gathering (North Carolina), at the Dulcimer Jamboree
(Mountainview, Arkansas), and much, much more.

Blandford Nature Center

Oct. 4th&5th

Fall Harvest Festival

Hawks and Owls
Sunday
4-5pm

The annual Fall Fest is here, and we'll be playing at
the stage, and at the General Store. There's so many
things to see and learn, blacksmithing, chair caning,
and candle making to name just a few.

Blandford Nature Center is a
wonderful place to bring your family for nature walks,
seasonal festivals, to learn about the animals in the
Animal Hospital, etc. They are located on the western
edge of Grand Rapids off of west Leonard street, at 1715
Hillburn N.W. Their phone is 616-453-6192. Come and
visit, you'll return.

Fallasburg Fine Art Festival

Sept. 27th

Performance 3-4pm

North from
Lowell on Hudson St. (main stop light and it turns into
Lincoln Lake Rd.) Approx. 4 miles to the Fallasburg Park
sign at Fallasburg Park Rd. Follow it to the park. Get
there early, cause it's packed!

I think I
like this festival more than any I've ever attended or
performed at. Maybe it's cause I'm from Lowell, and have
been at this shindig since its beginning in the early
70's.

The art is juried,
all high quality, and this offers the perfect chance for
Christmas shopping. The Park itself is beautiful, with a
great playground right beside the festival, for those
kids with extra energy. There's close access to the Flat
River, and the worlds most famous "craw-dad catching"
creek. See you there.

50th Wedding Anniversary

Sept.13th

Private

Wheatland Music Festival

Sept. 5,6,7

Remus, MI.

Okay, so we're not
really performing there. What happened was that Ron and
Jan Fowler, part of the Blissfest organization, asked us
to be their guests as they had 2 guest passes (since
they are performing). Ron is a master storyteller, and
will be sharing his vast repertoire of tales. Jan is one
of the most popular dance callers in the state, and will
be calling dances with the featured old time band for
the weekend, the Mammals, and with other bands. Becca
and I will be enjoying ourselves, and jamming with out
of state friends that we only get to see occasionally.
We'll be camped with the Fowlers in the performers camp
area. Stop in and share a tune. Oh, we do have to leave
for 5 hours Sat. to fulfill a musical obligation (see
below), but we'll be back in time for the great Sat.
night, bang and saw till dawn, pull out all the stops,
play your fingers raw, session.

Grand Rapids Choral Co.

private dance

2-4pm

Sat. Sept. 6th

Fallasburg Historic Village

Sun. Aug 24th

Covered Bridge Rd.

We'll be playing at the
restored Fallas house for a picnic and meeting
concerning the old mill. There's a project afoot to
relocate the old Saranac mill to the site of
Fallasburg's previous mill, destroyed by fire when your
grandfolks were in knickers. Free, and fun for the
family

to get there

North from Lowell on Hudson St.
(main stop light and it turns into Lincoln Lake Rd.)
Approx. 4 miles to the Fallasburg Park sign at
Fallasburg Park Rd. Turn right and follow it to the Y in
the road, and follow the Y to the right. Continue till
you cross the Covered Bridge (no faster that a walk,
cars and horses) and up the hill to the village.

Grin Fest

Sat. August 23rd

Howard City

A weekend of music, roast pig, and
activities. We'll be on stage from 8:30-9:15pm, and I'll
be leading a fiddle workshop at 4pm.

Shepherds of Independance Benefit

Calder Plaza

Aug. 16

Hawks and Owls on stage 6:45-7:45pm

Shepherds of
Independence will be hosting its first Annual
Pizzapalooza event on Friday and Saturday, August 15th
and 16th, from 12-noon to 11pm on the Calder Plaza in
downtown Grand Rapids. The event is a cookoff between
local pizza restaurants and will feature musical
entertainment, children's activities, a pizza eating
contest for the public and media, and a contest judged
by local chefs to determine the Best Pizza in West
Michigan! There will also be a bocce ball tournament
both days! All proceeds from the event will go toward
the ongoing housing and care of the mentally and/or
physically disabled adult residents at our facility.
Shepherds of Independence needs volunteers to help
between noon and 11pm both days with the general
operations of this charity event. Positions include: tee
shirt and ticket (for food,etc) sales, cleanup, beverage
sales, and general hosting. The event will be a great
time for the whole family to enjoy the sun, eat pizza,
and listen to music!
This opportunity is sponsored by:
Shepherds of
Independence

Jam on the Grand

&

Creston Neighborhood Association Art Fair

Sat. August 16th

Located at the north end of Riverside Park

on the beautiful Grand River.

We will be leading the "old
time" jam at the riverside tent, and playing a set on
the stage. All levels of musical proficiency are welcome
at the tent. Come share your song.
We'll be on the main stage at the
art fair from 3-4:30pm.

Schuler's Books and Music

8:00-9:45pm

Friday Aug. 1st

2660 28th St. S.E

Schuler's Books and Music

Saturday Aug. 2nd

Alpine Ave.

2-4pm

This performance is a promo for
the Shepherds of Independence benefit, to be held at the
Calder Plaza on Aug. 15-16. Becca and I were chosen as a
representative band, although the others are not
acoustic. I think it was the attitude and energy that
was being sought.

I'll be leading workshops in Fiddle and Mandolin, and
we'll be performing throughout the day. I am no longer
allowed to compete, and have been relegated to judging
the mandolin and fiddle contests. Chirps Smith and Steve
Rosen, from the nationally acclaimed band "the Volo
Bogtrotters" will be judging with me. This is the
largest Fiddle/Banjo/Mandolin/Guitar contest in the
state, with the contestants pulling out their hottest
licks. Don't miss this

one.

Harbor Springs Street Musique

(provided by the folks that bring you Bliss Fest)

Thurs. Aug 7th

7:00-9:00pm

On 4 different
street corners you'll find 4 different performances
occurring simultaneously in this cool lakeside town.
Becca and I will be supplying the old-time sounds. An
excellent excuse for a road trip!

Lowell Summer Concert Series

Thurs. July 24th

7:00-9:00pm

Right next to the Showboat in downtown Lowell.

One of my favorite places to give
a concert. I love performing next to the Flat River.
It's lawn chairs and blankets on the lawn, or the
seating in the bleachers. There's plenty of things for
the kids to do, with a play-ground nearby, and fishing
right handy.

Lowell Riverwalk Festival

Sat. July 12th

12:30-1:45pm

There's a whole host of events planned in Lowell. Click
on the link to find out more.

On Hudson St. (center of town
traffic light), 2 blocks south of Main St.(M-21).

Art Attack (LAAC celebrates 25 years) - Saturday June
21, 2003,
7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., Lowell Area Arts Council 25th
Anniversary Celebration at the LAAC Gallery & Green, 149
S Hudson, Lowell. Silent Auction, Food, Drink & Desserts
and Live Music.
This evening in the Center Gallery and on the Green will
be filled with an eclectic variety of music, food, and
drink provided by Cascade Roadhouse of G.R. A silent
auction with bidding at 7pm, and most of all friends and
supporters like you who wish to keep the Arts Alive in
our West Michigan community.
All proceeds will benefit the contunuing programs of the
LAAC. Advance Tickets: $18 per person,At the Door: $25
per person, Dress is casual but cool.
Silent Auction Items: Fine artworks and special gift
baskets. Call (616) 897-8545 for advance tickets and
more information.

Music by
Bruce and Becca from Hawks and Owls old-time string
band.

Everett Township
Concert Series

Sunday 6-22 Everett Township concert in the park. 3-5pm White Cloud,MI. TakeM-37
north. Just before you get to White Cloud you’ll see 8th
St. on your right. Go down about a 1/4 mile and the
festivities are on the south side of the road.

Carmen's Cafe

June 7th

Corner of Clay and 2nd

Muskegon, MI.

96 west to
Muskegon turns into Seaway Drive. Follow it to the
downtown district till you come to 2nd Ave. Turn left to
Clay Ave. There we are. Carmen's is on the ground floor
of the old Medical Arts Bldg., across from the Muskegon
Mall.

I love this place!

The folks are
great, the atmosphere is creative, and we always feel at
home. This has become a regular venue for us. Lots of
coffee choices, real good grill food, and deserts.

We'll be playing
in the village from 2 till 4 on Sunday.
On Saturday there will be a
1890's style baseball game at 2:00pm. Both days will
have food booths and old time demonstrations.

to get there:

North from Lowell on Hudson St.
(main stop light and it turns into Lincoln Lake Rd.)
Approx. 4 miles to the Fallasburg Park sign at
Fallasburg Park Rd. Turn right and follow it to the Y in
the road, and follow the Y to the right. Continue till
you cross the Covered Bridge (no faster that a walk) and
up the hill to the village.

GRAFS "End of Season Spring Dance"

May 3rd

5:00 Pot Luck

dance afterward

Johnson Park on the Grand River

Grandville, MI.

I-196 west to the
Grandville exit (on the left side of the highway). Turn
right at the bottom of the exit and cross over the
Grand. The entrance is on the right, after you pass
Butterworth St.

The BIG dance,
great food, exceptional company, and a May Pole has been
known to raise. John Legge will be doing the callin',
we'll be doing the bangin' and sawin'.

Private Wedding
April 26

Lowell Maple Sugar Festival

March 1st

Wittenbach Agriscience and Environmental Center

11am-1pm

11715 Vergennes Road

Lowell, MI.

M-21 east just past the Grand
River bridge. Turn left at the light onto Pettis. The
first right is Vergennes. Head east to the Lowell High
School. The Center is across the street.

Becca and I will be strolling,
and playing that old time music.

Carmen's Cafe

March 1st

Corner of Clay and 2nd

Muskegon, MI.

96 west to Muskegon turns into Seaway Drive. Follow it
to the downtown district till you come to 2nd Ave. Turn
left to Clay Ave. There we are. Carmen's is on the
ground floor of the old Medical Arts Bldg., across from
the Muskegon Mall.

I love this place!

The folks are great, the
atmosphere is creative, and we always feel at home. This
has become a regular venue for us. Lots of coffee
choices, real good grill food, and deserts.

Lowell Community Expo

March 22nd

11am-1pm

Lowell High School

11700 Vergennes Road

M-21 east just past the Grand River bridge. Turn left at
the light onto Pettis. The first right is Vergennes.
Head east to the Lowell High School.

Come and visit Lowell's business
community, all under one roof. Becca and I will be on
and off the stage for four 3-song mini-sets, and
strolling melodically about the Expo.

TV TIME

Channel 25 on the ATT Cable Network

Dec. 1 at 12 pm

Dec. 2 at 7 pm

Jim Keiling, producer of
videos, invited Nick, Becca, and I out to his place for
a big party in which a pig was spitted, the sun beat
down, folks enjoyed a real Michigan Pot-Luck, the stage
(a nice one) was built, and 5 cameras were hooked up to
a large production truck. Here's the result. It was hot
out, hence the drip on my nose.

Carmen's Cafe

Nov. 23

Corner of Clay and 2nd

Muskegon, MI.

96 west to Muskegon turns into Seaway Drive. Follow it
to the downtown district till you come to 2nd Ave. Turn
left to Clay Ave. There we are. Carmen's is on the
ground floor of the old Medical Arts Bldg., across from
the Muskegon Mall.

I love this place!

The folks are great, the
atmosphere is creative, and we always feel at home. This
has become a regular venue for us. Lots of coffee
choices, real good grill food, and deserts.

Java Jive

at

Unity Church of Practical Christianity

Nov.22

1711 Walker N.W.

call 616-453-9909 for more info

Brian Whittemore, friend and bass
player, has put this showcase of talent together. Come
out for coffee and home-baked goods, and listen to some
great music. We'll be doing our set at 9:00pm

Eastbrook Builders

Grand Opening

Oct.12

11:30-1:30pm

New Road and neighborhood in

Bailey's Grove

52nd St. past Kalamazoo Ave.
heading east till you come to the sign for the Bailey's
Grove Development. Follow the Bailey's neighborhood road
till it ends at West Grove and turn right to Meadow
Grove Dr. Turn right to North Meadow Grove Dr. Look for
the tent. There will be free hotdogs, and Becca, Nick,
and I will be eating them, (and playing that fine Old
Time Music that we do so well.)

Carmen's Cafe

Oct. 19th

7:30-11:00pm

Corner of Clay and 2nd

in downtown Muskegon

An excellent coffee house with
great sandwiches and all sorts of beverages. Kim has
music here on an every other week basis and we have a
blast.

Fallasburg Art Fair

Sept. 28

2:00-3:00pm

North from Lowell on Hudson St. (main stop light and it
turns into Lincoln Lake Rd.) Approx. 4 miles to the
Fallasburg Park sign at Fallasburg Park Rd. Follow it to
the park.

I think I like this festival more than any I've ever
attended or performed at. Maybe it's cause I'm from
Lowell, and have been at this shindig since its
beginning in the early 70's.

The art is juried, all high
quality, and this offers the perfect chance for
Christmas shopping. The Park itself is beautiful, with a
great playground right beside the festival, for those
kids with extra energy. There's close access to the Flat
River, and the worlds most famous "craw-dad catching"
creek. See you there.

Cable Access 25 Pig Roast and T.V.

Filming

Sept. 21

1:00-2:00pm

5691 17mile rd.

Cedar Springs

(exit off of 131, turn right and follow road to party.)

It's a dish to pass, byob, a lawn chair, and a day
of local music groups.

We get a copy of our
performance for publicity usage, and T.V. 25 gets music
for airing. This will be distributed to cable access
stations around the state.

Little Bohemia

Sept. 20

7:00-9:00pm

Monroe at S. Division

3rd Suite back from the end of the building

( across the street and towards Division from their
former location)

This is it, the ultimate in ecclectic
notions.

Not only does Terri have beads (over 12,000
varieties), she also has antique Afghani Lapis and
Silver jewelry, beautiful vintage clothing, Burt's Bees
products, hand-made African instruments, a grey cat
named Clark, the list goes on and on.

Becca and I, with Bruce Mason
on flute and penny whistle, will be playing those lovely
old dance tunes that we play every Thursday night (see
top of page.)

Schuler's Books and Music

Aug. 9

8:00-11:00pm

2660 28th St. S.E.

Grand Rapids, MI.

We had a wonderful time playing Schuler's last winter. I
was still on crutches, but made it up on stage okay. The
room sounds great, and the atmosphere is like home.
Nick, Becca, and I will be doing the old-time music
thing all evening, with stories and interesting
anecdotes interspersed. See you there.

Kudos to Chad Stanton. Chad
gave Susan Sheets, the booking agent for Wyoming, my CD,
and that's how we got booked for this large community
celebration. The festival will be held at Lamar Park,
with lots of food, fun, and activities for all ages.

As always, there will be a large tent erected on the
banks of the Grand River for those folks with
instruments who want to jam. We will be performing on
the stage in the festival area at the above time. Our
musical hosts for the day are Jim, Al, and Bear, from
the band "Beats Settin' Home."

close your eyes and repeat after
me norain-norain-norain-norain-norain-norain-norain